Even small changes can help manage your kidney disease. Set a goal you think you can achieve — maybe switching to low sodium canned foods or eating two meatless meals a week. Once you’ve made that a habit, set another goal.

Give yourself some time to get used to dietary changes. After a few months of eating low-salt foods, you may find that you prefer them.

Here are a few suggestions to make diet changes easier:

• Instead of eating out with friends, host a potluck dinner at your house — making sure you provide a healthy dish.
• When you do eat out, plan ahead — suggest a restaurant with healthy options and check the menu before you go.
• Drink water instead of soda to cut down on phosphorus and sugar.
• If you eat meat, limit portion size.
• Add flavor to food with herbs and spices that are salt-free. These include basil, cinnamon, cumin, curry powder, rosemary, smoked paprika and thyme. Many spice companies also provide a line of salt-free seasoning blends.

From the Mayo Clinic Health Letter. Submitted by Nancy Rasmussen, Parish Nurse